Clearlake Police officers assist Santa on his rounds

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Police officers helped spread Christmas cheer to local families this week.

On Christmas Eve members of the Clearlake Police Officers Association assisted Santa Claus in delivering toys to several families in the city of Clearlake.

This happy Christmas Day errand has been a tradition for the Clearlake Police Officers Association for more than 15 years, according to association President Ryan Peterson.

Throughout the year, members of the Police Officers Association meet a lot of families and children who are going through difficult times, Peterson said.

Through theses contacts, Peterson said families are chosen and contacted to see if they would like a visit from Santa Claus.

Police officers then collect handwritten letters from the children and deliver them to Santa Claus, Peterson said.

On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus was given a personal escort to deliver toys to the children, which this year resulted in 20 children receiving a visit from Santa Claus, according to Peterson.

“This program means a lot to the Clearlake Police Officers Association and has been successful because of community support,” he said.

Peterson added, “The Clearlake Police Officers Association would like to wish the community we serve a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.”